More than 800 people with disabilities, supporters, friends and organizations representing a wide variety of services throughout NJ will converge on West Lafayette Street in downtown Trenton for the 8th Annual NJ Disability Pride Parade and Celebration.

The free event is a grassroots effort organized and hosted by the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI). ACI is a 501(c)(3) Center for Independent Living, a community-based, grassroots organization that supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties.

"This is the one event in New Jersey that the disabled community can get together and have a day to celebrate pride in each other," says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of the Alliance Center for Independence, and chief organizer of the event.

On September 14th, New Jersey residents with disabilities and their families will have an opportunity to meet the candidates for US Senate.

“Every midterm election is important and this year’s is no exception,” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of the Alliance Center for Independence, a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties and chief organizer of the forum. “The next congress will take up many issues, and this event is our attempt to ensure that the priorities of 56 million disabled people are sufficiently addressed.”

On August 27th, residents with disabilities and their families will have an opportunity to meet the Democratic Party and Republican Party candidates for New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District. Representative Frank Pallone, Democrat and his Republican challenger, Rich Pezzullo also will discuss those issues that are important for people with disabilities and their supporters. The 6th Congressional District is made up of 32 municipalities in Middlesex and Monmonth counties.

“Every midterm election is important and this year’s is no exception,” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of the Alliance Center for Independence, a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties and chief organizer of the forum. “The next congress will take up many issues, and this event is our attempt to ensure that the priorities of 56 million disabled people are sufficiently addressed.”

On July 16th, dozens of disability advocates and voting rights experts will mark the annual National Disability Voter Registration Week with a kickoff event at the NJ State House Annex on 131 West State Street in Trenton. Time is set for 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. This event is open to the public.

This purpose of the day is to underscore the importance of the disability vote in this year’s gubernatorial election. “With nearly 10% of the state’s population identifying themselves as having a disability, we need to show the candidates that our issues need to be addressed,” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of Alliance Center for Independence.

The National Disability Voter Registration Week Kickoff event will feature noteworthy speakers on the voter rights of people with disabilities, including advocates with disabilities. Scheduled speakers include: Zach Baldwin, advocate at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and National REV UP Organizer, Mercedes Witowsky, Executive Director of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, Scott Elliott, Executive Director of the Progressive Center for Independent Living, Norman Smith, Associate Executive Director, Project Freedom, Inc. Christopher Miller, representing Disability Rights NJ and Eulanda Brooks, civil rights and voting rights advocate.

Are you a disabled and a resident of Middlesex County? Are you concerned about disasters and recovery?

A disaster can happen at any time, this is a great opportunity to work together with emergency managers and FEMA to make effective changes in how emergency services are provided to people with disabilities in Middlesex County.

Bring a friend to the next meeting of the Core Advisory Group (CAG) and you and your friend will receive a free NOAA radio.

Edison, NJ - The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) will hold an open house at its office in Edison on the evening of Thursday January 11th 2018. Time 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ACI invites the community to attend and learn about its programs and services and how they benefit people with disabilities.

This free event, entitled “Making Spirits Bright,” will feature a power point presentation on the agency’s activities and services, a tour of its expanded facility and dinner. ACI will also recognize and honor some of its supporters who have contributed to its success over the past several years.

This Tuesday, November 7th, NJ voters will go to the polls to elect our state’s 56th governor. “New Jerseyans will make an important choice this election day, and we have been working to ensure that voters with disabilities are well informed about the candidates and are able to participant fully in the election process,” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI).